King
Moves one square in any direction.Protect your king at all times. If your king is trapped in check, the game is over.
The Standard Chess
How to Play Chess
Chess is The Game of Life: protect what matters, think before you move, and understand that every choice creates a consequence.
Back to ChessQueen
Moves any number of squares in a straight line: forward, backward, sideways, or diagonal.The queen is the most powerful piece because she combines rook and bishop movement.
Rook
Moves any number of squares forward, backward, left, or right.Rooks are strongest on open files and rows.
Bishop
Moves any number of squares diagonally.Each bishop stays on the same color square for the whole game.
Knight
Moves in an L shape: two squares one way, then one square sideways.Knights can jump over other pieces.
Pawn
Moves forward one square, but captures one square diagonally.On its first move, a pawn may move two squares. If it reaches the far side, it promotes to a queen in this game.
Basic Rules
- White moves first.
- Click one of your pieces, then click a highlighted square to move.
- You capture by moving onto a square occupied by your opponent.
- You may not make a move that leaves your king in check.
- Check means the king is under attack.
- Checkmate means the king is trapped and cannot escape.
Strategy Tips
- Control the center of the board.
- Develop knights and bishops early.
- Do not trade your queen for a weaker piece.
- Look at what your opponent is threatening.
- Every move should protect something or create a better opportunity.